Foils used in Romeo and Juliet - Essay Example

of Affiliation Foil Characters Foil characters have been used widely in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. A foil character is that who contrasts the personalities of another character, and which serves to exemplify specific qualities or attributes of the individual. By depicting the qualities of one, it directly enhances the character traits of the other, hence demonstrating a foil representation of an individual. In Romeo and Juliet, two lovers from conflicting and hateful families fall in love.

This hatred is so intense that eventually contributes to the downfall of the lovers. In this paper, I discuss how Tybalt’s qualities have been depicted through a foil of representation of Benvolio. Secondly, I also discuss Romeo’s characters with respect to foil representation of Mercutio. Firstly, Tybalt, an aggressor, is foil character to Benvolio, who is generally a peace maker. Benvolio treasures peace and tries as much as possible to stop fights. For instance, in Act 1 Scene 1 at the Market Scene, Benvolio says, "I do but keep the peace: put up thy sword, Or manage it to part these men with me.

" On the other hand, Tybalt is depicted as an aggressor. This is demonstrated in when he is quoted in Act 1 Scene 1 saying, "., and talk of peace! I hate the word As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee." Mercutio is a crucial foil character to Romeo as it is through his realistic mindset that Romeo’s dreamy and romantic character is demonstrated. To begin with, Mercutio disbelief in true love serves to enhance Romeo’s character as an idealist. For instance, following a romantic conversation between Romeo and Rosaline, Mercutio creates a mockery suggesting that love never exists.

Mercutio is quoted saying, “If love be rough with you, be rough with love. Prick love for pricking and you beat love down,” (Shakespeare, 1.4, 27-28). This quote suggests Mercutio’s negative attitude towards love while at the same time exemplifies Romeo’s romantic, though idealistic mindset. In conclusion, Shakespeare uses foil characters to effectively pass across various themes. Work CitedShakespeare, William, and Janie B. Yates-Glandorf. Romeo and Juliet. Logan, Iowa: Perfection Learning Corp, 2004. Print.